England defender Lucy Bronze has etched her name deeper into football history after being named in the Fifpro Women's World 11 for an unprecedented ninth time, cementing her status as one of the most consistently outstanding players of her generation.

The recognition came as part of a strong English contingent, with five Lionesses earning places in the prestigious line-up. Alongside Bronze, goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, defender Alex Greenwood, midfielder Ella Toone and forward Alessia Russo all received the nod from their peers.

A Team Chosen by the Players Themselves

The World 11 stands apart from other awards in world football because it is the only global honour decided entirely by the players. This year, a total of 6,511 professional female footballers from 64 countries cast their votes, reflecting the truly international nature of the selection process.

Voters were asked to identify the three best performers in each position, covering goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards. The players with the highest vote totals in each category secured their places, while one additional outfield spot was awarded to the player with the next highest overall tally.

Performances were assessed across a defined window running from 4 August 2025 to 16 August 2026, and only players who made at least 20 appearances during that period were eligible for consideration.

Spain Dominates as Zambia's Banda Stands Alone

Barcelona's influence on the global game remains unmistakable, with Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas, Mapi Leon, Claudia Pina and Irene Paredes all featuring. For Paredes, the honour marks a return to the side for the first time since 2017, a testament to her enduring quality at the heart of defence.

Zambia striker Barbra Banda, who plays her club football for Orlando Pride, was named for the third time and is the only member of the team based outside England or Spain. Her inclusion highlights the growing reach of women's football beyond its traditional strongholds.

The Full Line-Up

The announcement also brought disappointment for some high-profile names, with several big players missing out on selection this year. Nevertheless, the list reflects a compelling mix of established legends and rising stars, underlining the depth of talent now present across the women's game.

For Bronze, the latest honour adds another chapter to a career defined by excellence at the highest level, and it reinforces her reputation as one of the most decorated and respected defenders in the sport's history.